ROBERT "PAT" BURNS

Robert Patrick Burns, age 90,  passed away on February 15, 2023, in Strongsville, Ohio.  He leaves behind his beloved wife Patricia (nee Manak).  Loving father of Mary Katherine Ratliff (Errol), Daniel (deceased), Thomas (Linda), Linda Tokarsky (Gene), Susan Hirsch (Jeffrey), and Laureen Yalanty (Robert).  Grandfather of seventeen, great-grandfather of fourteen. Eldest brother to Margaret Balata (Richard), both deceased, Michael (Theresa, deceased), and John (Patricia).  Brother-in-law to Dolores Brooks (deceased), Bunny Therens (Donald, deceased).

Born at home on March 17, 1932, to Mildred and Robert Burns, the eldest of four siblings. Pat was an intelligent boy, learning to read at age two. He was a naturally gifted student, graduating from Holy Name High with honors.  He would go on to graduate from John Carroll University, working full time and attending classes at night, while his wife raised their children.

Pat met and married the love of his life Patty in 1955. Together they embodied devotion and love to the end, providing an enduring example to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Modest in manner but passionate in his political and philosophical beliefs, Pat was an organizer for the Cleveland chapter of the Socialist Labor Party for many decades.  He believed and fought for the ideal that we are all equal regardless of race, sex, religion, or any of the artificial things that separate us.  He was a member of the IBEW for seventy years, believing in workers' rights and loving his job as an electrician.  In 1994 he created and organized the yearly Burns family reunion, which continues to this day.

He loved organic gardening, St. Patrick's Day - the most important holiday of the year, picket lines, poetry, a cold St Pauli Girl, and an occasional cigar.  But most of all he loved his wife and family, and all of his main men and angels.

Funeral Service 10:00 AM Monday, February 20, 2023 at the funeral home. Interment Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends SUNDAY 1-4 PM at A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY RD., MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).